By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-915433.mp3
Dallas, TX – The state's chief environmental agency says it's proposing new requirements that will better protect public safety and air quality near oil and gas wells. KERA's Shelley Kofler says the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality wants better industry reporting.
The TCEQ, says its wants to more closely regulate equipment being used in the production of natural gas in the Barnett Shale.
The TCEQ's Anne Inman says companies should be able to show they can forecast, monitor and limit damaging air emissions before the state gives them a permit to operate.
Inman: You are going to have to register each and every new location that is new. You are going to have to give some real clear data on the equipment you are proposing to install and on the types of liquid and gas streams you are going to handle. You are going to have to use the most current calculation methodologies we have today. And you are going to have to show us that the contribution of those emissions from your proposed site aren't going to contribute to a problem off your property
The proposed regulations follow increased concern in North Texas that natural gas production will pollute the air and water.
The TCEQ has installed round the clock air monitoring near gas production facilities in Dallas and Fort Worth and is adding others in Dish, Eagle Mountain Lake and Flower Mound.
The public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed rules of oil and gas facilities during hearings in August and September.